Surname Wirth - Meaning and Origin

Connecting Personal Identity and Heritage: Influence of the iGENEA DNA Test on the Perception of the Wirth Surname

My journey through the iGENEA DNA test has been a revelation, shedding light on my personal identity and heritage. Since receiving the results, the surname Wirth took on a new significance and empowered my image of self. It made me appreciate my roots that are rich with history and culture, and it also encouraged me to redefine my connection to the world. While the technical aspects of the DNA test were daunting, I found the revelations regarding my lineage and ancestry profoundly enriching.

X. Wirth

Wirth: What does the surname Wirth mean?

The last name Wirth is a German occupational surname deriving from the Middle High German phrase wirt (also spelled wurth, virde), meaning “occupational master” or “lord of the manor.” The term was reserved for those who held positions of significant authority within communities, such as mayors, stewards, stewards of the monastery, and greater levels of nobility. Therefore, the last name Wirth would have been given to those who held such elevated roles within society and were typically of a higher class or standing within it.

The last name Wirth can be traced back to the eleventh or twelfth century in Germany, though modern records suggest an earlier use in other parts of Europe as well. It was adopted by many German families who migrated to the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Furthermore, the last name is also still popular in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other areas of Europe.

As a result, the Wirths can be seen as a family of social distinction and authority who have had a long presence within the various societies of Europe, the United States, and elsewhere. This located surname is recognizable and respected among those who share it and has become synonymous with nobility and governance.

Wirth: Where does the name Wirth come from?

The last name Wirth is most common in Europe today, particularly in Germany, Austria, Poland, and France. It is a variation of the German word for “worthy” or “loyal” and is one of the oldest surnames in that language.

In Germany, Wirth is the 49th most common surname, with about 75,500 people carrying the name. Austria is the second most common and has about 5,500 people with the last name. Poland has the third highest number of Wirths, with about 4,000 people with the last name. France follows close behind with more than 3,000 people.

In the U.S., Wirth is much less common. According to the 2010 US census, there were about 7,800 people with the last name in America. Most of them were clustered in the Midwest and Northeast regions, with small concentrations in some Southern states.

As a whole, the Wirth last name is still quite common across Europe, with Germany in particular boasting the highest numbers. In the United States, however, the name is much less common, with about 8,000 or so people carrying the name across the country.

Variations of the surname Wirth

Wirth is a surname that originated in a German-speaking area in the Middle Ages. Its variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include Werth, Werd, Wert, Wertz, Virth, Vürth, Vierth, Virde, Vörd and Vördt.

The original moniker "Wirth" is derived from the German word "Wirt" meaning "village or town owner." This occupational name was given to those who owned the rights to provide lodging, as well as food and entertainment, to visiting merchants, minor nobility, and other important individuals. Over time, the name was altered in spelling by members of these communities to avoid confusion with other similar names, resulting in a variety of different spellings and surnames of the same origin.

The surname Wirth is popular in countries with a German-speaking population. Families bearing this surname can be found in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and parts of Poland, as well as in surrounding countries with large immigrant communities from these German-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. Furthermore, the surname is also found among Establishment families of Jersey in the Channel Islands.

Today, the surname Wirth is still used both in Germany and abroad. It is a very common name, and with the variety of variants and spellings, can be a source of fascination and discovery for those researching their family's history. Those with the surname Wirth, along with its various variants, should have many examples of names with this same origin in their family tree.

Famous people with the name Wirth

• Julian Wirth: A German professional footballer, playing as a defender for SSV Jahn Regensburg in the Bundesliga.
• Werner Wirth: A German racehorse trainer and breeder, who has had numerous successes in Germany, Dubai and other countries.
• Alex Wirth: The son of former U.S. Senator Max Baucus, he is the founding partner of Quorum, a public affairs tech company.
• Gerald Wirth: An Austrian musician, conductor and music director, best known as president of the Vienna State Opera and the Vienna Boys' Choir.
• Max Wirth: A German architect and amateur art collector, most famously known for the restoration of Nuremberg's double-towered procession bridge.
• Arnold Wirth: A German composer and academic, known for having mentor Gustav Mahler.
• Ava Wirth: An Australian Hollywood actress, best known for her roles in movies like "Drugged" and "The Naked Truth."
• Fritz Wirth: A German zoologist, specialising in the study of amphibians who led expeditions in Africa and South America.
• Jörg Wirth: A German restaurateur and entrepreneur, he is known for founding the award-winning restaurants such as “Dicke Wirt” in Berlin.
• Lauren Wirth: A Canadian model and actress, best known for her work in advertising campaigns, films and television shows.

Other surnames

WirtWirtenbergerWirtgenWirthgenWirthlWirthleWirthsWirtlWirtsWirtz